random123456

Chapter 388: Good Night

The meal continued in a steady rhythm, each course arriving and disappearing as the evening stretched on. The tidecrawler's delicate flavors gave way to roasted game served with fragrant herbs and a light drizzle of spiced glaze, followed by a simple yet decadent dessert of honeyed fruit compote layered with soft cream.

Conversation ebbed and flowed between them, Luca's teasing remarks often drawing reluctant smiles from Elara despite herself. She found herself growing accustomed to his infuriating charm, though she remained wary of the way he seemed to navigate every topic with the precision of someone accustomed to never revealing too much.

Lucavion, for his part, was unhurried, savoring each bite as if it were a calculated indulgence. His dark eyes lingered on Elara occasionally, studying her expressions with subtle curiosity. But he offered no further cryptic comments about fate or familiarity, letting the earlier moment settle into the quiet space between them.

Eventually, the final plate was cleared away, and the waiter approached with a warm smile. "Did everything meet your expectations?" they asked, clasping their hands in polite anticipation.

"Exquisite," Luca replied smoothly, lifting his glass for a final sip of wine. "Though I suspect the company improved the meal immeasurably."

Elara shot him a side-eye glance but didn't protest. Instead, she addressed the waiter. "It was wonderful, thank you."

The waiter inclined their head, leaving them with a parting promise to return should they need anything else. As they disappeared, the cozy hum of the dining room returned, the low murmur of other patrons blending with the faint sound of waves crashing against the distant shore.

"Well," Luca said, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "I'd say that was a worthwhile indulgence. Wouldn't you?"

Elara nodded, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I suppose," she admitted, her tone deliberately neutral, though the faint curve of her lips betrayed her enjoyment.

Luca chuckled, his smirk returning full force. "You suppose? After all that enthusiasm earlier, I expected more praise."

"Don't push your luck," Elara replied, shaking her head, though she couldn't suppress a small laugh. "It was good. Really good. But I won't inflate your ego further by pretending it was because of you."

"Ah, Frost Mage," Luca said with a mock sigh, "you wound me."

Elara rolled her eyes, rising from her seat as she adjusted her cloak. "Come on. Let's settle the bill before you start monologuing about your tragic injuries."

Lucavion stood as well, his movements easy and graceful. "As you wish, my lady," he said with a slight bow, though his smirk never wavered.

As they approached the counter, the soft murmur of the inn's dining room provided a gentle backdrop. Elara stepped forward confidently, her hands lightly brushing her cloak aside as she addressed the receptionist.

"I'll take care of the bill," she said firmly, sparing a glance toward Luca, whose smirk widened as he leaned casually against the counter.

"Next time it will be on me."

"Next time?" she scoffed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Don't push your luck."

The receptionist, smiling warmly, slid the bill across the counter. Elara reached for it without hesitation, but as her eyes scanned the total, her confidence wavered for a brief second. The number etched on the slip was… more than she had anticipated.

Her fingers twitched slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible sigh escaped her as she reached for her coin pouch. Why is everything Luca touches ridiculously expensive?

Still, she didn't falter. Opening the pouch, she counted out the sum and slid the coins across the counter with a composed expression, though her heart clenched slightly at the sight of her dwindling funds.

"Thank you, Miss," the receptionist said, bowing slightly as they gathered the coins. "We hope you'll visit us again."

Elara nodded politely, stepping back to join Luca, who was observing her with an amused glint in his eye. "You twitched," he remarked, his smirk sharp.

"I did not," she shot back, her tone firm as she adjusted her cloak. "And even if I did, you're hardly worth it."

"Ouch," Luca said with a mock wince, clutching his chest dramatically. "You're ruthless, Elara. Truly."

She huffed, shaking her head. "Come on. Let's get out of here before I start regretting this entirely."

"Regret?" Luca echoed, falling into step beside her as they made their way toward the exit. "For paying for the most delightful evening of your life? Surely not."

Elara glanced at him, her expression caught somewhere between exasperation and amusement.

"….."

Elara walked ahead, her steps brisk and purposeful as she made her way toward the inn's reception area. Luca followed a few paces behind, his usual smirk firmly in place, his hands resting casually in his pockets. The faint hum of conversation and the distant crash of waves accompanied them, filling the comfortable silence between their steps.

When they reached the reception desk, Elara turned back to face him, her expression softening slightly. "It was a really good meal," she said, her tone quieter now, less guarded. "Thank you for accompanying me."

Luca inclined his head with a slight bow, the movement fluid and deliberate. "The pleasure was mine," he replied, his voice light but sincere. "And I must admit, I had quite a bit of fun."

Elara's lips curved into a small smile, and for a brief moment, the tension of the evening seemed to dissolve completely. "Goodnight, then," she said, turning to leave.

But just as she took her first step, Luca's voice halted her. "The weather is beautiful tonight," he said, his gaze shifting toward the open doorway leading to the streets. "It would be a waste to stay locked inside a room."

Elara stopped, following his gaze. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the cobblestone streets outside, and the faint sea breeze carried a refreshing mix of salt and warmth. The air was cool but not cold, and Stormhaven's proximity to the ocean gave it a uniquely pleasant atmosphere, even at night. People strolled leisurely along the streets, their laughter and chatter blending with the rhythmic crash of waves in the distance.

She glanced back at Luca, raising an eyebrow. "Is that an invitation?"

"Invitation?" he repeated, tilting his head slightly as a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I'd call it meeting the ends. Now that you've paid for such an expensive meal, it's only fair I treat you to something as well. Don't you think?"

Elara narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unreadable as she considered his words. She turned her gaze back to the streets, watching as couples and groups meandered past. It wasn't a bad idea. She had eaten well, felt refreshed, and the atmosphere outside was undeniably inviting. There was no reason to refuse… except for the fact that it was Luca making the offer.

Still, as she lingered on the threshold, the idea of walking through Stormhaven's lively streets under the stars held a certain appeal.

But, she really was tired.

She lingered for a moment, her gaze fixed on the bustling streets. The soft glow of lanterns and the inviting atmosphere called to her, but something deep inside tugged her back. Even though Luca had proven himself reliable and, in his own way, kind, she couldn't ignore the voice of caution that whispered in her mind.

It wasn't distrust, not exactly. But they'd only met a handful of times—thrice, at most—and while Luca was undoubtedly intriguing, something about him felt like a riddle she wasn't quite ready to solve. Everything would be moving too fast if she just went along with him now. And then there was Cedric, who still weighed on her mind. She needed to check on him, even if he insisted he was fine.

"I think I'll pass," Elara said finally, her tone calm but firm as she turned to look at Luca. "It's been a long day, and I should check on Cedric. Maybe another time."

Luca's smirk softened into a smile, one that caught her off guard with its sincerity. There was no hint of disappointment or annoyance, no teasing retort. Just a simple, genuine understanding. "I understand," he said, his voice steady and light, as though he'd anticipated her answer all along.

For a moment, Elara felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name. Relief? Gratitude? She wasn't sure, but it eased the tension in her chest. "Goodnight, Luca," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile as she adjusted her cloak and turned back toward the inn's staircase.

"Goodnight, Elara," he replied, his tone as casual as ever, but with a warmth that lingered.

As she ascended the stairs, the faint sound of the sea breeze and distant laughter followed her. She didn't look back, but the image of Luca's smile stayed with her—a smile that was strangely devoid of the sharp edges she'd grown accustomed to. For a moment, she wondered what had been behind it. Had he truly wanted her to refuse?

Reaching her door, Elara paused briefly before entering. She still felt curious about the enigmatic swordsman, but for now, her focus had to remain on what mattered most: rest, recovery, and ensuring Cedric was alright. Anything else could wait.

Chapter 389: Good Night (2)

Lucavion lingered in the reception area for a few moments after Elara disappeared up the staircase. The faint sound of her steps faded into the soft hum of the inn's nighttime activity, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He stretched lightly, the easy smile on his face giving way to a more reflective expression as he turned and ascended the stairs at a leisurely pace.

He didn't follow immediately. Instead, he gave her the space she deserved, content to take his time. After all, he had also rented the highest quality room in the inn—the finest they had to offer, positioned conveniently close to Elara's. It was an indulgence, sure, but Lucavion never saw indulgence as a vice. Comfort, in moderation, was a luxury worth savoring.

As he reached the landing, his footsteps silent against the polished wood, his thoughts shifted inward. Well, it seems your daughter has some sense of safety in her, Master, he mused, a faint flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips.

His invitation earlier had been more than just a casual suggestion. Of course, a part of him genuinely wanted to enjoy the night air and perhaps engage in a meaningful conversation with Elara. But another part—a quieter, calculating part—had wanted to observe her decision. Elara, the central figure of this tangled romance-fantasy world, had a magnetic pull. Many men would—and did—pursue her, drawn not only by her beauty but by the strength and complexity that made her stand apart.

But Lucavion knew men too well, understood their desires and motivations with a clarity born from years of experience. Not everyone was as honorable as they seemed, and beauty often attracted not only admiration but opportunism. A sense of restraint and an awareness of one's own safety was not only a strength—it was a shield, one that could mean the difference between thriving and suffering in a world as ruthless as this.

It's a cruel truth, he thought, his expression darkening slightly. Restraint is important for everyone, but the ones most often burned by its absence are women. It's not fair, but fairness has never been a staple of this world.

Elara's refusal tonight, her clear decision to prioritize caution and her responsibilities, had impressed him more than she might have realized. It spoke of a sharp mind and a sense of self-worth that were vital, particularly for someone whose life was bound to grow more complicated with every step.

Reaching the corridor, Lucavion moved past her room, his footsteps measured and light. He didn't linger but allowed himself a brief glance at her closed door before continuing to his own. A faint smile returned to his face as he turned the key and stepped into the lavish room he'd claimed for himself.

As he removed his coat and set it neatly on the back of a chair, he let his thoughts settle. You've got potential, Frost Mage. Let's hope you hold onto that sense of safety—this world has a habit of testing it.

Just as Lucavion set it onto the chair, the quiet of the room was disrupted by a sudden, weightless movement. In a blur of sleek fur and a flicking tail, Vitaliara landed gracefully on his shoulder, her luminous eyes gleaming with mischief. Her tail curled lazily around his neck as she tilted her head to regard him, an unmistakable smirk in her gaze.

[You look rather contemplative, Lucavion,] she teased, her tone carrying a singsong lilt. [Disappointed you didn't get to spend the night with your little crush?]

Lucavion let out a short laugh, leaning back and shifting slightly to balance her weight more comfortably. "She's not my crush," he replied smoothly, his tone light but firm.

Vitaliara's tail flicked, her smirk deepening. [Hmm? You were awfully smiley for someone who's not smitten.]

He raised an eyebrow, his expression perfectly composed. "I'm always smiley," he countered with a shrug. "That doesn't mean I'm harboring secret feelings for everyone I meet."

[Of course, of course,] she drawled, her voice dripping with mock innocence. [But I couldn't help but notice how very sincere your smile was tonight. Quite unlike your usual smirks.]

Lucavion sighed, giving her a pointed look. "You read too much into things, Vitaliara. Smiling doesn't equal pining."

[Doesn't it?] she quipped, her ears twitching as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. [You seemed very invested in her decision tonight, though.]

He met her gaze, unflinching, as he reached up to give her an affectionate but firm flick on the ear. "Invested, yes. Curious, definitely. But that's because she's intriguing, not because I'm fawning over her."

Vitaliara huffed softly, flicking her tail again as she perched more securely on his shoulder. [If you say so. But you might want to check that beating thing in your chest. It doesn't always follow orders, you know.]

Lucavion smirked, his tone playful but edged with a quiet finality. "Thanks for the advice, but I think I know my own heart better than you do."

[Do you, though?] she replied, her tone lilting with amusement as she hopped lightly down to the armrest of his chair. Her tail swayed idly as she looked up at him with a knowing gleam. [Because sometimes, I think you're the last one to notice what it's up to.]

He chuckled, shaking his head as he moved toward the window. The cool moonlight bathed the room in a soft glow, and he gazed out at the distant ocean, his expression thoughtful. "I notice plenty, Vitaliara."

Lucavion shrugged off the remainder of his attire, the finely tailored shirt slipping from his shoulders to reveal a sculpted frame honed through years of relentless training and battle. His muscles, lean but powerful, bore faint scars—silent reminders of a life lived on the edge. The moonlight streaming through the window cast faint silver highlights across his chest and arms, accentuating the defined lines of his physique.

He caught Vitaliara's gaze lingering on him, her luminous eyes betraying more interest than she likely intended. With a teasing smirk, he said, "You're lucky. You get a good show tonight."

[Humph,] Vitaliara huffed, turning her head as though unimpressed, but her tail swished in a way that gave her away. She flicked her ears dismissively but couldn't resist a final glance, her gaze darting back to him for a brief second before she looked away again.

Lucavion chuckled softly, his amusement evident. "You're a terrible liar, Vitaliara," he said as he crossed the room toward the adjoining bath area.

[You wish,] she retorted, hopping lightly from the chair to the windowsill, her tail curling around her paws. [I've seen better.]

"Sure you have," he called over his shoulder, his tone dripping with mock skepticism as he disappeared into the bath.

The sound of running water filled the air, blending with the distant murmur of waves outside. Lucavion took his time, the warm water washing away the day's dust and tension. His movements were deliberate, each stroke of his hands across his skin methodical, as if scrubbing away not just dirt but the weight of unspoken thoughts.

The bath's subtle fragrance of herbs and minerals added to the calming atmosphere, a rare indulgence that Lucavion allowed himself when the opportunity arose. He leaned back slightly, letting the water flow over him as his mind quieted, the earlier events of the day melting into the background.

But then he remembered something.

"I forgot to talk about the carcass of Evolved Sea Serpent…."

He forgot something really important…

******

As the sun broke over the horizon, casting its golden glow across the bustling docks of Stormhaven, the adventurers and knights gathered once more for the second day of the expedition. The air was brisk, carrying the salty tang of the sea, but the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

Captain Eryndor stood atop a raised platform near the Fourth Station, his sharp eyes scanning the assembled crowd. Behind him, a group of knights awaited his orders, their polished armor gleaming in the early morning light. The events of the previous day lingered heavily in his mind, shaping his decisions for the day ahead.

He raised a hand, silencing the low murmurs of conversation. "Yesterday, the Fourth Station held its ground admirably," he began, his voice carrying with practiced authority. "Many of you demonstrated skill, courage, and the ability to adapt under pressure. However, as with all battles, there is room for refinement."

Eryndor's gaze flicked briefly to Lucavion, standing among the other adventurers with his usual calm demeanor, the white cat perched comfortably on his shoulder. Then to Elara and Cedric, who stood a short distance away, Cedric's hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword while Elara listened intently.

"I've reviewed the reports from yesterday's engagements," Eryndor continued, his tone measured. "It has come to my attention that while one Evolved Sea Serpent was brought down in the central area, another was felled near the western flank. The latter was handled by two adventurers from this station—Adventurer Luca and the frost mage, Elara."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, many glancing between the two named individuals with newfound interest. Elara's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, but she held her composure. Cedric stiffened slightly beside her, his expression unreadable.

Eryndor raised a hand again, silencing the whispers. "This is not a common achievement. Evolved monsters of that caliber are not easily slain, even by experienced teams. Such a feat suggests not only individual skill but also the potential for synergy between combatants."

He stepped forward, his sharp gaze settling first on Lucavion, then on Elara and Cedric. "Which is why, for today's operation, I am making adjustments to the team structure. Adventurer Luca, Elara, and Cedric—you will be grouped together."

The announcement drew mixed reactions. Some adventurers murmured with envy, while others nodded in approval, recognizing the logic behind Eryndor's decision. Lucavion, as always, remained composed, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Elara glanced briefly at Cedric, who gave her a reassuring nod, though his gaze lingered warily on Lucavion.

Eryndor's voice cut through the noise. "Your team will be positioned at the central flank today. You've proven capable of handling high-level threats, and that area will require both power and precision. Work together, and we'll push this wave back like the last."

With that, Eryndor stepped down from the platform, signaling for the adventurers to begin organizing into their assigned groups. The morning bustle resumed, though many still cast curious glances toward the newly-formed trio.

Chapter 390: Second Wave

Elara stood still for a moment, absorbing Captain Eryndor's words. Her gaze flicked between Cedric, whose expression was as tense as she'd expected, and Lucavion, whose smirk carried its usual air of infuriating confidence. The murmurs from the other adventurers filled the air, but Elara barely registered them. Her thoughts churned, a mix of concern and excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

'Fighting at the central flank,' she thought, her fingers brushing the hilt of her staff. The memory of yesterday's battle flashed through her mind—how the frost magic she'd trained for years had finally felt alive, purposeful. Her spells had struck true, carving paths through chaos. She'd improved, and she could feel it. Fighting alongside Luca again, even if she wouldn't admit it aloud, sounded… exciting.

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she let the thought settle. 'I've come this far. Why not push further?'

But then her gaze shifted to Cedric. His jaw was tight, his posture rigid. She knew him well enough to see the faint tension in his eyes, the lingering frustration that hadn't faded since his duel with Luca. It wasn't just the loss that weighed on him—it was the unspoken challenge of being grouped with the very person who'd bested him.

Elara sighed softly, nudging him with her elbow. "Cedric, you alright?" she asked, keeping her tone casual.

He blinked, glancing at her as though pulled from a distant thought. "I'm fine," he said quickly, though his voice carried an edge of unease.

"You don't look fine," she countered, her brow furrowing. "Listen, if this is about the grouping—"

"It's not," he cut in, his tone firmer now. "I'm just… focused. That's all."

Elara studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Just remember, this isn't about proving anything to anyone. We're a team, Cedric. We've got this."

His expression softened slightly at her words, though the tension didn't fully leave his posture. "I know," he muttered, his grip on his sword relaxing marginally.

Satisfied for now, Elara turned her attention back to Lucavion. He stood a short distance away, his white cat perched lazily on his shoulder, surveying the gathering crowd with an almost regal air. His dark eyes caught hers briefly, and his smirk deepened, as if he already knew exactly what she was thinking.

'He's really annoying,' she thought, shaking her head. But her faint smile returned nonetheless.

Fighting alongside Luca wasn't just an opportunity—it was a challenge, and one she found herself oddly looking forward to. His unorthodox style, his uncanny precision—it pushed her to adapt, to rise above her limits. Yesterday's battle had been proof of that.

As the groups began forming around them, Elara adjusted her staff, a spark of anticipation lighting in her chest. 'Let's see how far I can go.'

******

The sun had climbed higher, bathing the battlefield in its harsh light as the waves began. The sea churned violently, giving way to the monstrous forms that surged forth from its depths. The air thickened with tension, but Elara gripped her staff tightly, her frost magic already crackling in anticipation.

Lucavion was the first to move, his dark blade humming as he waded into the fray with a confidence that bordered on reckless. He didn't so much fight as he butchered, his strikes brutal and efficient, cutting down monsters with a precision that sent sprays of ichor arcing into the air. It was chaotic, messy, and completely unorthodox.

"Trap them before they scatter," Luca called out, his voice calm despite the chaos. His blade carved through a serpentine creature with a resounding SLASH!, its segmented body crumpling at his feet. "If you can keep them in place, I can cut through them faster."

Elara nodded sharply, her focus sharpening at his words. "I can do that!" she replied, her staff glowing faintly as frost began to swirl around her. She turned toward Cedric, who had taken up a position behind her, his sword ready to intercept any monsters that slipped past. "Cedric, cover me!"

"Always," Cedric said firmly, his gaze steady. He positioned himself carefully, his shield angled to guard Elara as she prepared her magic.

The waves of monsters surged closer, their snarls and guttural roars filling the air. Elara planted her staff firmly on the icy platform, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air as she began to cast.

「Frostvine Snare」 (2-star spell)

Frost shot out in curling tendrils, snaking around the limbs of the nearest monsters. CRACK-SNAP! The icy vines locked them in place, freezing their movements as they struggled against the unyielding frost.

Lucavion wasted no time. He surged forward, his blade carving a path through the immobilized creatures. Each strike was swift and deliberate, his movements almost surgical despite the raw brutality of his attacks.

Elara turned her attention to the next cluster of monsters, her mana flaring as she prepared another spell.

「Glacial Edge Barrage」 (2-star spell)

A volley of jagged ice shards erupted from her staff, hurtling toward the advancing wave. WHOOSH-THUNK! The shards pierced through their targets, freezing their limbs and leaving them vulnerable to Lucavion's relentless assault.

"Perfect," Luca called, his smirk audible even amidst the chaos. "Keep that up, Elara."

Elara spared him a brief glance, her heart racing as she saw how seamlessly their efforts combined. It wasn't just efficient—it was exhilarating. She refocused, her staff glowing brighter as the frost around her intensified.

Meanwhile, Cedric held the rear with unwavering resolve. Every time a monster slipped through, his sword was there, striking with precision. His shield bore the brunt of the attacks, deflecting blows meant for Elara as she continued casting.

"Elara, behind you!" Cedric shouted, his blade flashing as he intercepted a creature lunging toward her. The clash of steel echoed through the battlefield, and Cedric dispatched the monster with a swift strike.

Elara nodded, her grip tightening on her staff. "Thanks," she muttered, already channeling her next spell.

The other adventurers, positioned around them, began to notice the rhythm of their trio. While Cedric and Lucavion handled direct combat, Elara's frost magic provided crucial support. Her spells not only trapped monsters for Lucavion but also shielded weaker adventurers from being overwhelmed.

"Your magic's covering the whole flank!" one of the adventurers called, his tone both impressed and relieved. "Keep it up, Frost Mage!"

Elara didn't reply, too focused on maintaining her momentum. The strain of constant casting was beginning to show, her mana reserves dipping lower with each spell, but she pressed on.

As if sensing her fatigue, Lucavion called out again, his tone laced with that infuriating confidence. "Don't waste too much of that fancy mana on me, mage. I don't need the attention."

Elara rolled her eyes but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at her lips. "You'll get what you need," she shot back, channeling another spell.

「Frozen Tempest」 (3-star spell)

She swept her staff in a wide arc, unleashing a spiraling storm of frost and wind. WHIRR-CRACK! The tempest engulfed the advancing wave, slowing their movements and forcing them into tighter clusters.

Lucavion capitalized on the opening immediately. His blade glowed faintly with dark energy as he launched himself into the thick of the immobilized creatures. SLASH! THUD! Each strike was decisive, cutting through the monsters with an efficiency that bordered on terrifying.

Cedric, ever the sentinel, continued to guard Elara's back. His shield deflected another blow, the sharp CLANG! ringing out as he shoved the attacker away with a growl. "How much longer can you keep this up?" he asked, his voice tight with effort.

"Long enough," Elara replied, though her voice wavered slightly. Her mana reserves were nearing their limit, but she refused to falter. She raised her staff once more, the frost around her swirling with renewed intensity.

The monsters continued their assault, but the trio held firm, their combined efforts pushing back the relentless tide.

And Elara knew something.

She was really improving.

******

The battle dragged on, the relentless waves of monsters testing every ounce of Elara's strength, skill, and resolve. Frost clung to the battlefield, the shimmering ice and jagged barriers marking her tireless efforts. Around her, Cedric's shield clashed against claws and fangs with unyielding resolve, while Lucavion danced through the chaos, his blade carving a path through the immobilized monsters like a shadow given form.

Each time she felt her focus waver, a glance at her companions pulled her back. Cedric, standing firm, guarding her without hesitation. Lucavion, fighting with that maddening blend of precision and recklessness, pushing the monsters back with ruthless efficiency. They trusted her magic, and she would not fail them.

"Last push!" Cedric barked, his sword flashing as he cut through another advancing creature. "We're almost clear!"

Elara gritted her teeth, channeling her remaining mana into one final spell.

「Frozen Cascade」 (3-star spell)

She thrust her staff forward, releasing a torrent of icy shards that cascaded across the battlefield. WHOOOSH-CRASH! The frost engulfed the remaining monsters, freezing them in place before Lucavion's blade finished the job.

The last of the monsters fell, their guttural roars fading into silence. The battlefield was eerily still, the only sound the heavy breathing of the adventurers who had survived the wave. Around them, the remnants of frost and ichor painted a grim but victorious picture.

Elara lowered her staff, her arms trembling from the strain. The glow of her magic faded, leaving behind an almost oppressive silence. Her legs felt like they were made of lead, and the world around her seemed to tilt as exhaustion hit her like a crashing wave.

"Ugh…" she murmured, swaying slightly before her knees buckled. She collapsed onto the icy platform, the cold seeping into her skin as she gasped for air.

"Elara!" Cedric's voice was sharp with concern as he knelt beside her, his shield clattering to the ground. "Are you alright? Speak to me!"

"I'm… fine," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. Her staff lay beside her, forgotten for the moment as she tried to catch her breath. "Just… tired."

Cedric's brow furrowed, but he nodded, clearly relieved that she was conscious. "You pushed yourself too hard. That was incredible work, but you need to rest."

Elara nodded weakly, too drained to argue. Who would have thought that being in the middle of the formation would be this hard? She had trained for years, but nothing could have prepared her for this relentless intensity.

"You really went all out, didn't you?" Lucavion's voice cut through the haze of her thoughts, his tone as maddeningly casual as ever. He approached, his blade resting on his shoulder, and glanced down at her with a faint smirk. "Guess that's what happens when you insist on showing off."

Elara groaned, her annoyance bubbling up even through her fatigue. "Just… shut up," she muttered, her words weak but still laced with irritation.

But before she could retort further, something happened.

BOOM!

And explosion occurred.

SWOOSH! SPLAS!

Followed by a sound of splashing….

And an eerie feeling enveloped everyone.

"What?"

With a shadow cast over their bodies.